Makita Cordless Impact Wrench (Pt2)

In the earlier article we discussed the capabilities of two angle head power tools in the Makita cordless impact wrench range, both of these impact wrenches employ a 3/8” drive. Of course not all workmen or workplaces use 3/8” drive and perhaps 1/2” is more common. Also purely because of their near narrow angle head design these tool produce quite low levels of torque when compared to power tools not designed under these constraints. This article expands upon the details of the Makita’s range by exploring some of the conventional design 1/2” drive range which offer more power still, in what is a well known and widely used fitting.

Makita 18V Cordless Impact Wrench 1/2″ Drive BTW251

This Makita power tool is a conventionally designed, gun-style unit. It is compact and light weight at 6-1/2” long and only 3.7lbs with a battery installed. It fits comfortably in a medium sized hand and so would be suitable both for women as well as men. The handle has a soft rubberised coating that is easy on an ungloved hand.

The Makita BTW251 cordless impact wrench produces 170ft.lbs of torque in a small and compact unit. In use it generates 0-2100RPM (no load speed) and 0-3200IPM and employs a variable speed trigger.

In common with many of the cordless impact wrenches in the Makita range this tool also has an LED light to illuminate the work area. It also come with the usual Makita 3 year guarantee on the tool and 1 year guarantee on the 18v LXT batteries supplied with the kit.

Makita 18V Cordless Impact Wrench 1/2″ Drive BTW450

If the torque of the previous unit was not enough then there is always this monster from Makita. The BTW450 cordless impact wrench tool is a conventionally designed gun type impactor. It is 10-1/2” long and weighs in at 7.5lbs. While this is substantially larger than the previous power tool, it is still remarkably small and light when consideration is given to the quality and output of the motor, hammer and anvil assembly are taken into consideration.

The Makita BTW450 18v cordless impact wrench produces 325ft.lbs of maximum torque. In use it produces a (no load speed) rating of 1600RPM and 2,200IPM. The unit features a large rocker switch, rather than a variable speed trigger used in other units. This switch is easily accessible while using the tool with gloved hands.

Like other cordless impact wrenches in the Makita impact gun range this power tool has a built in LED to assist in illuminating the work area and a soft feel, rubberised handle. The tool also has extra shock absorbent protection for the battery which can be necessary is cordless power wrenches like these that generate significant vibration and torque.

Both of these tool kits come with two batteries, charger, tool bag and workbelt clip as well as Makita’s usual three year guarantee on the tool and twelve month guarantee on the 18v LXT Lithium-Ion batteries provided.

What is a Cordless Impact Wrench?

Before we can understand what a cordless impact wrench is, or the benefits it can bring to the workplace, we must understand what a conventional impact wrench is and the types of jobs it is usually used for.

An impact wrench is type of power tool designed to supply high torque energy to a socket or other fitting. The energy transferred is designed to occur with minimal exertion by the operator. Impact wrenches work by storing energy in some form of rotating mass inside the tool housing and transferring this energy in a rapid manner to the work piece via an output shaft.

Impact wrenches are sometimes also known as an air wrench, air gun, torque gun, rattle gun, pulse tool or impactor.

How They Work

In use, the impact wrench stores energy in a rotating mass called a hammer. The power to rotate this hammer is supplied by a motor and the energy contained in the hammer is then transferred to the output shaft which is known as the anvil. The power transfer is very rapid and occurs over a very brief time frame, this means that only minimal torque is experienced by the operator.

Industrial Uses

Impact wrenches are widely employed in a large number of industries. Examples include the automotive industry, aerospace, heavy equipment maintenance, major construction projects and product assembly – although here they are commonly known as “pulse tools”

Types of Impact Wrench

Compressed air is the most usual power source for impact wrenches, but this type of tool is not cordless and lacks versatility and mobility. Compressed air tools also require lubrication which is supplied either by “oiled air” supplied direct by the compressor, or from an oil reservoir stored on the tool itself.

It is also possible to power impact wrenches with hydraulic power, but this is generally more expensive.

Cordless Impact Wrenches

Due to recent advances in battery and motor technology it has become possible to power impact wrenches with electric motors. Modern, battery operated, cordless impact wrenches are becoming an increasingly common sight in the workplace. Cordless impact wrenches give all the advantages of mobility without the necessity of a trailing cord or other limitation imposed by a corded tool. They are ideal for light industrial applications, although many models lack the power to be of use in heavy industrial workplaces.

In situations where a very high toque force is required hydraulically powered impact wrenches are still king, but the day is coming when they will be replaced by the more mobile cordless impact wrench.